Apparatus and method for playing a soccer skills-enhancing game

ABSTRACT

A goal for a soccer skills-enhancing game is configured for practicing a chip shot, and includes an upper frame defining an aperture for receiving a ball vertically downward therethrough, and a lower frame for resting on a playing surface. Support members are operatively connected between the upper and lower frames to form a vertical space therebetween. A see-through wrap of fabric or plastic is wrapped around an outer side of the support members, encircling the vertical space to form the vertically-disposed goal. The goal preferably includes a bag, or net, attached to and held in an open position around the upper frame for catching a ball received through the aperture. The upper and lower frames may be hexagonally shaped. A game apparatus includes at least one goal and a ball. A method for playing the game includes scoring points for chipping or deflecting the ball into the bag.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to co-pending U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/636,191 entitled “SOCCER SKILLS PRACTICE GAME AND DEVICE,” filed Feb. 28, 2018, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference thereto.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present invention relates to sporting games and devices for use therewith and, particularly, to soccer skills-enhancing games and goals for use with such games.

BACKGROUND

The game of soccer is an internationally-known popular sporting game that is played by children and adults of all ages. Various sizes of goals and soccer balls are on the market to accommodate the development of soccer skills beginning at a young age. However, no known devices or games are known to develop specific skills, such as the short high shot known as a “chip,” a skill that is important in the game of soccer.

Accordingly, there is a need for soccer skills-enhancing games and devices particularly for improving one's chip shot.

SUMMARY

Features of the disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed as an illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of this disclosure.

The present disclosure relates generally to skills-enhancing games and devices for soccer, particularly for improving one's chip shot.

The present disclosure also relates to, in one aspect, a goal for a soccer skills-enhancing game played with a ball. The goal includes an upper frame defining an aperture for receiving a ball vertically downward therethrough, and a lower frame for resting on a playing surface. The goal also includes a plurality of support members operatively connected between the upper frame and the lower frame to form a vertical space below the aperture that is laterally defined by the plurality of support members.

Embodiments of the goal can include one or more of the following features and/or aspects of other aspects.

The goal, in embodiments, includes a wrap positioned around an outer side of each of the plurality of support members and between adjacent support members of the plurality of support members, such that the wrap encircles the vertical space.

In embodiments, the goal can include a bag for catching the ball received through the aperture, wherein an upper perimeter defining an opening of the bag is operatively attached to the upper frame and held in an open position around the aperture, such that the bag hangs down from the upper frame and into the vertical space.

Each of the upper frame and the lower frame, in embodiments, may be formed in a hexagonal shape.

In embodiments, each of the upper frame and the lower frame is formed in a shape of a polygon, the upper frame and the lower frame each including an equal number of corners and connecting portions. The connecting portions of each of the upper frame and the lower frame forming sides of each polygon are located between adjacently positioned pairs of the corners.

Each of the corners may be formed from two horizontally disposed legs of an angled T-connector, wherein a pair of the connecting portions are adjacently connected on each of the upper frames and the lower frames via the two horizontally disposed legs of the angled T-connector.

In additional embodiments, each of the plurality of support members is attached to the upper frame via a downwardly projecting leg of one of the angled T-connectors of the upper frame and to the lower frame via an upwardly projecting leg of one of the angled T-connectors of the lower frame.

Embodiments of the goal may include a plurality of sleeves fixedly attached to the bag in a spaced arrangement along the upper perimeter, each of the connecting portions of the upper frame being inserted through one of the plurality of sleeves to hold the bag in the open position around the aperture.

The connecting portions of the upper frame may be removably attachable to the angled T-connectors of the upper frame.

Embodiments of the goal including the bag may further include attachment members for attaching the bag to the upper frame, each attachment member having a first end fixedly attached to the upper perimeter of the bag and a second end releasably attachable to the first end, the second end being wrapped over and around the upper frame and releasably attached to the first end to hold the bag in position around the aperture.

The wrap of various embodiments of the goal may include a sleeve aligned with one of the plurality of support members. The one of the plurality of support members is inserted through the sleeve.

The wrap, in embodiments of the goal, may be in the form of a mesh, a semi-transparent fabric, or a see-through plastic.

In some embodiments, the wrap may be a see-through perforated polyester PVC, and the bag may be a mesh material.

Aspects of the lower frame may include a contact surface for resting on the playing surface. The contact surface may include at least a lower surface of the corners of the lower frame.

The present disclosure also relates to, in another aspect, a soccer skills-enhancing game apparatus. The game apparatus includes at least one goal and a ball. The at least one goal includes: an upper frame defining an aperture for receiving the ball vertically downward therethrough; a lower frame for resting on a playing surface; a plurality of support members operatively connected between the upper frame and the lower frame to form a vertical space below the aperture that is laterally defined by the plurality of support members; and, in embodiments, a wrap positioned around an outer side of each of the plurality of support members and between adjacent support members of the plurality, the wrap encircling the vertical space.

Embodiments of the game apparatus can include one or more of the following features and/or aspects of other aspects.

In embodiments, the soccer skills-enhancing game apparatus includes a bag configured and sized for catching the ball received through the aperture, wherein an upper perimeter defining an opening of the bag is operatively attached to the upper frame and held in an open position around the aperture, the bag hanging down from the upper frame and into the vertical space.

The present disclosure also relates to, in yet another aspect, a method of playing a soccer skills-enhancing game utilizing a ball and at least one goal. The method includes, generally, positioning the at least one goal on a playing surface, and scoring points by a first team in a round of play, the round of play beginning with a first player of the first team chipping the ball toward the at least one goal and ending with an earlier occurring one of the ball being caught in the bag and the ball touching the playing surface.

Embodiments of the method of playing a soccer skills-enhancing game can include one or more of the following features and/or aspects of other aspects.

In embodiments of the method, the at least one goal includes an upper frame defining an aperture for receiving the ball vertically downward therethrough, a lower frame for resting on the playing surface, and a plurality of support members operatively connected between the upper frame and the lower frame to form a vertical space below the aperture that is laterally defined by the plurality of support members.

In embodiments, the at least one goal includes a wrap encircling the vertical space.

In embodiments, the at least one goal includes, either additionally to, or, in embodiments, alternatively to the wrap, a bag configured and sized for catching the ball received through the aperture, wherein an upper perimeter defining an opening of the bag is operatively attached to the upper frame and held in position around the aperture such that the bag hangs down into the vertical space.

The first team can score points, in embodiments of the method, by: chipping, by the first player, the ball directly into the bag of the at least one goal without the ball touching a second player of the team; chipping the ball such that the ball hits the wrap, and/or chipping the ball such that the ball hits the upper frame and bounces up from the at least one goal.

The first team can also score points, in embodiments of the method, by the first player, chipping the ball such that the ball hits the upper frame and bounces up and then, by the second player, deflecting the ball that bounces up from the goal in midair with any part of a body of the second player other than an arm or a hand and into the bag of the at least one goal.

In embodiments, the method may further include determining a score for the first team during the round of play based on a point system. Determining the score may include, in embodiments, awarding a highest number of points for the first player chipping the ball directly into the bag, a second highest number of points for the second player deflecting the ball into the bag, a third highest number of points for the ball hitting the upper frame in the round of play without being caught in the bag, and a fourth highest number of points for the ball hitting the wrap or the lower frame in the round of play without being caught in the bag; repeating a round of play for a second team and determining a score for the second team during the round for the second team based on the point system; and repeating the round of play for the first team and for the second team until one team of the first team and the second team wins the soccer skills-enhancing game by reaching or exceeding a predetermined winning score.

Aspects of the method may further include one team winning the soccer skills-enhancing game by reaching or exceeding the predetermined winning score during a round of play that ends with the ball being caught in the bag.

The present disclosure, in other aspects, relates to a goal for a soccer skills-enhancing game played with a soccer ball. The goal includes an upper frame and a lower frame configured to be positioned on a playing surface, preferably on a horizontal plane. The goal also includes a plurality of support members operatively connected between the upper and lower frame to form a vertical space therebetween. The goal has an aperture that is horizontally disposed, being configured and sized for receiving a game ball vertically downward therethrough.

The upper frame, in particular, an inner wall of the upper frame, defines the aperture. The goal also includes a wrap, which is, in embodiments, preferably see-through, and which may be a fabric or plastic, stretched around an outer side of the plurality of support members. The wrap encircles the vertical space to form a vertically-disposed goal for practicing soccer chip shots. The wrap forms an enclosure below the aperture for capturing a game ball received therethrough.

Embodiments of the goal can include one or more of the following features and/or aspects of other aspects.

In aspects, the goal may further include a mesh bag. An upper perimeter of the bag that defines an opening is operatively attached to the upper frame and held in position around the aperture of the upper frame.

In additional aspects, each of the upper frame and lower frame is formed in a hexagonal shape.

In aspects, each of the upper frame and lower frame is formed in a polygonal shape having at least five sides.

In another aspect, each of the upper and lower frames may be formed of a plurality of tubes and a plurality of connectors. Each of the connectors may be in the form of a T having a horizontally disposed leg with two opposing horizontal openings and a vertically disposed leg with a vertical opening. Adjacent tubes in each frame are connected via the horizontally disposed leg of one of the connectors. Each support member is assembled via the vertical openings of an opposing pair of connectors, wherein the opposing pair includes an upper connector positioned on the upper frame and a lower connector positioned on the lower frame.

In other aspects, the wrap may be a mesh material. In still other aspects, the wrap may be a semi-transparent fabric or plastic, such as a vinyl, nylon, or polyester.

In additional aspects, the goal may include attachment members for holding the mesh bag in position around the aperture of the upper frame. Each attachment member may have a first end configured to attach to the upper perimeter of the mesh bag and a second end configured to hold the mesh bag in position around the upper frame.

The present disclosure is also related to a soccer skills-enhancing game played with a ball, in yet another aspect, which includes at least one vertically disposed goal and a game ball for chipping into the goal. Each goal includes an upper frame; a lower frame configured to be positioned on a horizontal plane; and a plurality of support members operatively connected between the upper and lower frame to form a vertical space therebetween. The goal includes an aperture, which is horizontally disposed and is defined by the inner wall of the upper frame. The aperture is configured and sized for receiving the game ball therethrough. Each goal also includes a wrap stretched around an outer side of the support members. The wrap encircles the vertical space and forms an enclosure below the aperture for capturing a game ball received therethrough, thereby forming a vertically disposed goal.

Embodiments of the game can include one or more of the following features and/or aspects of other aspects.

In aspects, each goal may also include a mesh bag configured and sized to catch the game ball therein, wherein an upper perimeter defining an opening of the mesh bag is operatively attached to and held in position on the upper frame.

Each goal of the game may include any one or more of the aspects of a goal of the present disclosure. For example, in aspects, the upper and lower frame of each goal of the game may be formed in a hexagonal shape.

The present disclosure is also related to, in still another aspect, a method of playing a game that includes at least one vertically disposed goal formed in accordance with the present disclosure and a ball configured and sized to be captured within the goal. The method includes scoring points for chipping the game ball directly into the at least one vertically disposed goal and indirectly by deflecting off a part of one's body.

In addition to the above aspects of the present disclosure, additional aspects, objects, features and advantages will be apparent from the embodiments presented in the following description and in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this disclosure and include examples, which may be implemented in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances, various aspects of the disclosure may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate understanding. The teaching of the disclosure can be readily understood by considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a pictorial representation of a perspective view of an embodiment of a goal of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a pictorial representation of an exploded view of another embodiment of the goal prior to assembly.

FIG. 3A is a pictorial representation of a top perspective view of an embodiment of an upper frame, and also represents a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of a lower frame showing a contact surface, of yet another embodiment of the goal of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B is a pictorial representation of a bottom perspective view of the upper frame of FIG. 3A, and also represents a top perspective view of a lower frame.

FIG. 3C is a pictorial representation of an unassembled lower (or upper) frame and a component part prior to assembly of additional embodiments of the goal, including, e.g., those goals shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 3D is a pictorial representation of another embodiment of an unassembled lower frame.

FIG. 3E is a top perspective view of a pictorial representation of a component part of the unassembled lower frame of FIG. 3D, also suitable for a corresponding upper frame.

FIG. 3F is a bottom view pictorial representation of the component part of FIG. 3E.

FIG. 3G is a pictorial representation of a portion of an embodiment of a wrap of a goal of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a pictorial representation of a perspective view of another embodiment of a goal of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a pictorial representation of a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a pictorial representation of a perspective view of an embodiment of a game apparatus including at least one of an embodiment of a goal and of a ball of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram representation of embodiments of a method of the present disclosure.

The various aspects of the present disclosure mentioned above are described in further detail with reference to the aforementioned figures and the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following sections describe exemplary embodiments of the present invention. It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the described embodiments of the present invention provided herein are illustrative only and not limiting, having been presented by way of example only. All features disclosed in this description may be replaced by alternative features serving the same or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Therefore, numerous other embodiments of the modifications thereof are contemplated as falling within the scope of the present invention as defined herein and equivalents thereto.

Particular illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure are described hereinbelow with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the described embodiments provided herein are illustrative only and not limiting, having been presented by way of example only. All features disclosed in this description may be replaced by alternative features serving the same or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Therefore, numerous other embodiments of the modifications thereof are contemplated as falling within the scope of the present disclosure of a modular shower pan as defined herein and equivalents thereto. Well-known functions or constructions and repetitive matter are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary or redundant detail. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting. In this description, as well as in the drawings, like-referenced numbers represent elements which may perform the same, similar, or equivalent functions.

Throughout the description, where items are described as having, including, or comprising one or more specific components or features, or where methods are described as having, including, or comprising one or more specific steps, it is contemplated that, additionally, there are items of the present disclosure that consist essentially of, or consist of, the one or more recited components or features, and that there are methods according to the present disclosure that consist essentially of, or consist of, the one or more recited processing steps.

The present disclosure relates to soccer skills-enhancing games and devices, i.e., goals, for practicing a chip shot and other skills. The embodiments disclosed herein are directed to games and vertically-disposed goals particularly sized and designed for use with a soccer ball or similarly sized game ball.

Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a goal 10 for a soccer skills-enhancing game, including for practicing a chip shot, in accordance with the present disclosure includes an upper frame 12, which defines an aperture 15 for receiving a ball vertically downward therethrough, and a lower frame 14 for resting on a playing surface. In embodiments, the lower frame 14 is positioned substantially parallel to the upper frame 12. As shown in FIG. 1, the aperture 15 may be a single, horizontally disposed aperture positioned on the goal 10 for receiving a “chipped” game ball vertically downward therethrough during play, with the lower frame 14 resting on the playing surface. The lower frame 14, in embodiments, is configured to be stably positioned on the playing surface, for example, via a contact surface 25 formed from a lower surface of the lower frame 14. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the contact surface 25 is formed from a lower surface of elbow portions of connectors 28, which form the corners 28′ of the lower frame 14.

The aperture 15 may have an inner diameter that is defined by an inner wall of the upper frame 12 and, is configured and sized for receiving a game ball, e.g., a game ball 65 of an apparatus 60 including an embodiment of a goal 61 as shown in FIG. 6, that is chipped into the goal 10 during play. Preferably, the goal 10 is supported in use on the playing surface, which may be outside on the ground, such as a substantially level playing field, or inside on a floor. A mat, which may be placed on an outside or inside surface, may also provide the playing surface. Although the playing surface may be a substantially flat, horizontal surface or plane, in embodiments, the playing field may be a granular area, such as a sandy beach. If preferred, the lower frame 14 may be stably anchored into a layer of the beach sand for use.

In embodiments, the upper frame 12 and the lower frame 14 are of the same size and shape, each forming an identically shaped perimeter.

As also shown in FIG. 2, which shows an exploded view prior to assembly of another embodiment, the goal 10 further includes a plurality of support members 16 operatively connecting the upper frame 12 to the lower frame 14. Referring also to FIG. 1, in embodiments, each support member 16 has an upper end 18, which connects to the upper frame 12, and a lower end 20, which is connected to the lower frame 14 upon assembly. The support members 16 are assembled, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, via vertical legs 24 extending downward from the upper frame 12 and upward from the lower frame 14 to connect the upper 12 and lower frames 14, and hold them vertically displaced from one another, thereby forming a vertical space 22 below the aperture 15 that is laterally defined by the plurality of support members 16.

It can be appreciated that a goal in accordance with the disclosure may be formed in a variety of sizes and heights to accommodate different skill levels and ages, as well as different sports. In embodiments, a height of the support members 16 is adjustable. For example, either the vertical legs 24 on the upper frame 12 or those on the lower frame 14 may be made longer, and a series of holes may be provided on the support members 16 and one on each vertical leg 24, through which a pin is inserted to adjust and set the height of the goal 10.

Each of the upper 12 and lower frames 14 are, in embodiments, in a shape of a polygon, characterized by an equal number of corners 28′ and connecting portions 26 forming sides of the polygon between the corners 28′. Each of the connecting portions 26 is positioned between adjacently positioned pairs of the corners 28′.

In embodiments, referring to FIG. 3A, each of the upper 12 and lower frames 14 may be formed as unitary structures requiring no assembly.

Referring to FIG. 3A, as well as the embodiments of an upper 12 and lower frame 14 shown in FIGS. 3D-3F, the connecting portions 26 may be of any suitable construction, including substantially solid, rectangular and/or rounded structures, with smooth, solid outer surfaces. As shown in FIGS. 3B, 3D and 3F, the connecting portions 26 of the upper frame 12 may, in embodiments, be constructed with ribs 27 protruding downward from the outer surface of the upper frame 12 (i.e., the upper surface of the goal) and, similarly, the connecting portions 26 of the lower frame 12 may, in embodiments, be constructed with ribs 27 protruding upward from the outer surface (i.e., the lower, contact surface 25 of the goal) of the lower frame 12, to provide structural integrity in a light-weighted form. Although the ribs 27 are shown as parallel ribs aligned to the sides of the upper 12 and lower frame 14, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the ribs 27 may be formed in any number of suitable patterns, including honeycomb, lattice and so on, to achieve light-weighting and structural integrity.

Referring to any of the embodiments, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1-6 the vertically disposed legs 24 are positioned equidistantly, in embodiments, around the frames. Referring to FIG. 1, for example, each vertically disposed leg 24 on the upper frame 12 is positioned downward, and each vertically disposed leg 24 on the lower frame 14 is positioned upward, so that an opposing pair 32 of vertically disposed legs 24 comprising one upper leg on the upper frame 12 and one lower leg on the lower frame 14 are positioned above one another upon assembly. One of the plurality of support members 16 may then be operatively attached between and to one of the opposing pairs 32 of vertically disposed legs 24.

In embodiments, each vertically disposed leg 24 is a hollow cylinder and each support member 16 is a tube. In these embodiments, one end of each support member 16 may then be inserted into one of the opposing pair 32 of the vertically disposed legs 24 to connect the upper frame 12 to the lower frame 14.

Referring to FIGS. 1-2, as well as to FIGS. 3C-3F and FIGS. 4-6, in embodiments, the upper 12 and lower frames 14 of the present disclosure may be manufactured with components for easy assembly Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3C, for example, each of the upper 12 and lower frames 14 may be assembled from a plurality of tubes forming the connecting portions 26, which are assembled together using a plurality of connectors 28. Each of the connectors 28 may, in embodiments, be in the form of an angled “T” connector having a horizontally disposed, angled leg 30 with two opposing openings and including the vertically disposed leg 24 with a vertical opening for assembling the support members 16. The angled T-connector 28 may equivalently be described as having an elbow portion defined by two horizontally-disposed legs 30, which form the corners 28′ of the frames 12, 14, disposed at an angle to one another corresponding to the angle of the polygonal shape of the upper frame 12 (or lower frame 14), and a vertically disposed leg 24 extending downward (or upward) therefrom. In embodiments, the vertically disposed leg 24 is ninety degrees to a plane formed by the two horizontally-disposed legs 30.

In embodiments, at least the connecting portions 26 of the upper frame 12 are removably attachable to the angled T-connectors.

Referring to FIG. 3C, for example, each pair of adjacent connecting portions 26, 26′, which may be tubes in embodiments as shown, in each of the upper and lower frames are removably connected via the two horizontally disposed legs 30 of one of the angled T-connectors 28. Each of the plurality of support members 16 may then be assembled between an opposing pair 32 of the vertically disposed legs 24 of the T-connectors 28 on the upper 12 and lower frame 14.

In embodiments, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 1, 3C, and 4-6, in which the connecting portions 26 are tubes insertable into the horizontally disposed legs 30 forming the elbow portion of the angled T-connector 28, the angled T-connectors 28 and elbow portion or corners 28′ have a larger outer diameter than the connecting portions 26, so that the contact surface 25 (see FIG. 1) of the goal is formed from a lower surface of the angled T-connectors 28.

In other embodiments, referring to FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3D, e.g., the connecting portions 26 and corners 28′ of at least one of the upper frame 12 and the lower frame 14 have the same outer dimension, e.g., the same outer diameter if formed of a cylindrical shape. Referring to FIG. 3D, for example, in embodiments, the lower surfaces of the connecting portions 26 and the corners 28′ of the lower frame 14 are coplanar, together forming the contact surface 25.

FIG. 3D and FIG. 3E are further embodiments of an upper 12 and lower frame 14 which are manufactured in component parts for easy assembly. As shown in FIG. 3E, the upper 12 and lower frame 14 each includes removably attachable components, each component including an angled T-connector 28 integral with one connecting portion 26, the one connecting portion being integral with one of the horizontally disposed legs 30 of the T-connector 28. Interlocking connectors 29, for example, snap-in type connectors 29, are provided on the other one of the horizontally disposed legs 30 and aligned for assembly with a complementary connector, such as apertures 31, provided on the unattached end of the connecting portion 26 for assembling the components to form the frame 12, 14.

In embodiments, both the support members 30 and the connecting portions 26 are hollow tubes. Each of the tubes 26 and support members 30 may have the same outer diameter and the same inner diameter.

In embodiments, the support members 30 may have a different outer and inner diameter than that of the connecting portions 26. In some embodiments, e.g., the support members 16 may have a smaller outer diameter than that of the connecting portions 26.

Referring again to FIG. 1, as well as to FIGS. 2, 3G, 4, and 6, various embodiments of the goal 10 may further include an outer wrap 34 positioned, and in embodiments, stretched, around an outer side of each of the support members 16 and between adjacent support members 16 as shown, encircling the vertical space 22 below the aperture 15, which defines an interior portion of the vertically-disposed goal 10. In embodiments, such as the goal 10 shown in FIG. 1, the wrap 34 encloses and defines the interior portion of the vertically-disposed goal 10 for capturing a game ball received through the aperture 15.

Referring to FIG. 3G, in embodiments, the wrap 34 may be in the form of a sheet with a closure 37, such as a hook and loop type, or VELCRO® closure, so that the sheet may be wrapped and secured around the outside of the members 16 either before or after they are assembled together with the upper 12 and lower frames 14.

Referring still to FIG. 3G, in embodiments, the wrap 34 may, alternatively to, or additionally to the closure 37, include a sleeve 35 into which one of the plurality of support members 16 is inserted. This helps to anchor the wrap 34 in position and can assist in assembly.

In additional embodiments, one or more sleeves 35 may be spaced apart on the wrap 34 to coincide with one or more of the plurality of support members 16, which are arranged in a spaced apart arrangement. Each of the one or more support members 16 is inserted into each of the one or more sleeves 35 aligned thereto.

In embodiments, the wrap 34 may be any type of stretchable fabric or plastic and may be in the form of an open-ended stretchable cylinder, which may be formed, for example, by sewing the short edges of an elongated sheet together. In embodiments, the wrap 34 is stretched over one end of each of the plurality of support members 16 prior to assembling the upper frame 12 to the lower frame 14, as shown in FIG. 2.

In embodiments, the wrap 34 may be in the form of a mesh, which may be formed of plastic or fabric.

In embodiments, the wrap is formed from one of a mesh, a semi-transparent fabric, and a see-through plastic.

In other embodiments, the wrap may be formed from a semi-transparent material.

In embodiments, the wrap 34 may be formed from a nylon, vinyl, mylar, or polyester material.

In embodiments, the wrap may be a perforated flexible see-through vinyl or polyester, e.g., a polyester PVC.

Any one or more designs or logos, such as a team logo, a brand name, and/or a personalized name or message, may be printed on the wrap 34, which is also preferably easily replaceable.

Referring to FIG. 4, in additional embodiments, a goal 40 of the present disclosure may include any of the embodiments of the upper frame 12, lower frame 14, and support members 16 of the disclosure, and may further include a bag 42, which is, in embodiments, in the form of a fabric mesh or net, disposed interior to the wrap 34 that defines the interior of the goal 40. The bag 42, which is preferably a mesh bag 52 as shown in FIG. 5, “catches” the ball once it is chipped into the goal via the aperture 15, giving a more satisfactory feel and sound for the player. An upper perimeter 44 that defines an opening of the mesh bag 42 is operatively attached to the upper frame 12, in embodiments, using attachment members 46 configured to attach the upper perimeter of the bag 42 to the upper frame 12, and hold the bag 42 in position around the aperture 15 of the upper frame 12 during use. For example, referring also to FIG. 5, attachment members 46 such as hooks, or hook and loop attachments, e.g., VELCRO®, positioned on the mesh bag 52 near or on the upper perimeter 44 may be used that allow the mesh to be draped over the upper frame 12 and be attached back onto itself.

As shown in FIG. 4, for example, each attachment member 46 may have a first end 43 fixedly attached to the upper perimeter 44 of the bag 42 and a second end 45 releasably attachable to the first end 43. The second end 45 is wrapped over and around the upper frame 12 and releasably attached to the first end 43 to hold the bag 42 in position around the aperture 15.

Referring again to FIG. 5, in embodiments, the attachment members 46 can include VELCRO®-type attachment members and/or a plurality of pairs of ties 47 sewn onto the upper perimeter 49 of an inner bag or net, such as the mesh bag 52 shown in FIG. 5, at numerous points along the upper perimeter 49.

In embodiments, a goal 50 of the disclosure may include a bag 42, such as a mesh bag 52 or any other suitable bag, without an outer wrap, as shown in FIG. 5.

Referring to FIG. 5, for example, the bottom 54 of the inner bag or net of embodiments of the goal of the present disclosure, once assembled onto and hanging down from the upper frame 12 and into the vertical space 22 of the goal, is positioned to be at a height 58 above the ground (on which the lower frame 14 is positioned) equaling at least one-quarter the height 56 of the goal.

In embodiments, the height 58 of the bottom 54 of the inner bag (once assembled) above the ground equals between about one-quarter and one-half the height 56 of the goal.

In other embodiments, the height 58 is less than the height 56 of the goal.

In embodiments, an upper 12 and lower frame 14 of any of the goals of the present disclosure, as is shown in the figures, may be in the shape of a hexagon.

In other embodiments, each of the upper and lower frame of any of the goals of the disclosure may be formed in any polygonal shape.

In another embodiment, each of the upper and lower frame is substantially circular.

In embodiments, each of the upper and lower frame is in the shape of a polygon having at least five sides.

Referring to FIG. 6, embodiments of the goal 60 may include a bag 62 which is operatively attached to the connecting portions 26 of any of the embodiments of the upper frame 12 of the disclosure via a plurality of sleeves 64 fixedly attached to the bag 62, for example, by stitching or other methods known in the art, in a spaced arrangement along its upper perimeter 66. Each of the connecting portions 26 is inserted through one of the plurality of sleeves 64 to hold the bag 62 in an open position around the aperture 15.

As best shown in FIG. 6, in embodiments of the goal of the disclosure including a bag 62 (including, e.g., bag 42 of FIG. 4 and bag 52 of FIG. 5), and further wherein the upper frame 12 is in the shape of a polygon, the upper perimeter 66 of the bag 62, in embodiments, inscribes a circular opening within the polygonal frame 12 for receiving a ball 65 into the bag 62.

Referring still to FIG. 6, in embodiments, the sleeves 64 are formed of a stretchable, preferably, an elasticized material.

In further embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, the wrap 34 is a see-through material, such as a perforated polyester PVC, and the bag 62 includes a mesh material, such as a fabric, string, cord, or rope netting.

Referring still to FIG. 6, a skills-enhancing game apparatus 60 in accordance with the present disclosure includes at least one of any of the embodiments of a goal 61, including goal 61 as shown in FIG. 6, of the present disclosure and a game ball 65 that is configured and sized to be chipped or hit by a player into the goal 61. The goal 61 is configured to be vertically disposed for receiving the ball 65 vertically downward therethrough during play.

In embodiments of the game apparatus 60, referring, e.g., to FIG. 6, the at least one goal 61 may include an upper frame 12 defining an aperture 15 for receiving the ball 65 vertically downward therethrough and a lower frame 14 for resting on any suitable playing surface. A plurality of support members 16 is operatively connected between the upper 12 and lower frame 14 to form a vertical space 22 below the aperture 16 that is laterally defined by the plurality of support members 16; and a wrap 34 positioned around an outer side of each of the support members 16 and between adjacent support members 16 to encircle the vertical space 22.

The at least one goal 61, in embodiments, also includes a bag 62 configured and sized for catching the ball 65, when received through the aperture 15 during play, for example. An upper perimeter 66 of the bag 62 that defines its opening is operatively attached to the upper frame 12 and held in an open position around the aperture 15, such that the bag 62, or net, hangs down from the upper frame 12 and into the vertical space 22 of the goal 61.

In embodiments in which the goal includes a bag 62, which may be a mesh bag or net, the ball 65 may be chipped, hit, or deflected into the goal 61 and caught, or captured, within the bag 62. The game can include just one goal and may be played by a single player to practice his or her soccer skills, including chipping skills, or the game may include one or more goals and be played by at least two players.

The game ball 65, for use with any of the embodiments of a goal of the invention, may, in embodiments, be a soccer ball, of any suitable size for the age group and level of play of the players. For example, the game ball 65 may be of the same construction as a soccer ball, e.g., having an inflatable bladder covered with a stitched or glued-together material formed of leather or a synthetic material. The ball 65 may further be of regulation size (about 27″ to 28″ circumference) and about 14 to 16 oz (410 to 450 g), or may be sized, for example, in accordance with the age of the intended players, as recommended by youth league or professional soccer rules.

In other embodiments, the game ball 65 may be of a lighter weight than expected for a regulation soccer ball of the same size. In some embodiments, the ball may be about 7 to 10 oz, similar to a volleyball.

The skill of chipping may be practiced by a single player with a single ball and goal. In embodiments, the game apparatus includes two goals and a ball, allowing teams of one or more players to play at one time. The construction of the goals allows the game to be played virtually anywhere including one's backyard, neighborhood, beach or park, or indoors, for example, on a gym floor.

A method of practicing the game to enhance one's soccer skills may include shooting, or “chipping” the ball to opposing goals to score points. Various game formats may be used. In one exemplary embodiment, the game may be played with two teams of two players each, and two vertically-disposed goals of the present disclosure. The goals are placed apart by a predetermined distance, such as 36 feet, decided at the beginning of play. When 2 players are on one team, for example, during a single turn, each player on a team stands behind, or next to, one of the goals so that the teammates are facing each other, 36 feet apart, for example.

Referring to FIG. 7, a method 70 of playing a soccer skills-enhancing game utilizing an apparatus 60, of FIG. 6, for example, including a ball 65 and at least one goal 61, includes positioning, at 72, the at least one goal 61 on a playing surface, for example, outside on the ground or on an indoor floor or mat, or if desired, on a raised platform. As further disclosed herein, when teams are playing each other, two goals may be used at spaced apart positions.

Any of the embodiments of goals disclosed herein may be used. Referring again to FIG. 6, in embodiments of the methods of FIG. 7, the at least one goal, positioned at 72, includes an upper frame 12 defining an aperture 15 for receiving the ball 65 vertically downward therethrough, a lower frame 14 for resting on the playing surface, a plurality of support members 16 operatively connected between the upper frame 12 and the lower frame 14 to form a vertical space 22 below the aperture 15 that is laterally defined by the plurality of support members 16, a wrap 34 encircling the vertical space 22, and a bag 62, which is formed, in embodiments, of a netting material, configured and sized for catching the ball 65 received through the aperture 15, wherein an upper perimeter 44 defining an opening of the bag 62 is operatively attached to the upper frame 12 and held in position around the aperture such that the bag 62 hangs down into the vertical space 22.

The method 70 further includes, at 74, scoring points by a first team in a round of play. The round of play begins with a first player of the first team chipping the ball toward the at least one goal and ends with either the ball being caught in the bag, or the ball touching the playing surface, whichever occurs first.

The first team can score points during the round of play by any one of: the first player, at 76, chipping, or sinking, the ball 65 directly into the bag 62 or net without the ball touching a second player of the team, or by chipping the ball such that the ball hits the wrap, or the lower frame, and by chipping the ball such that it hits the upper frame 12 and bounces up from the at least one goal 61.

The first team can also score points during the round of play by the second player, at 78, deflecting the ball in midair directly into the goal, or after it bounces up from the first player's hitting the ball off the upper frame 12. The second player must deflect the ball in midair (without it hitting the ground) with any part of the second player's body other than an arm or a hand. Points can also be scored by the second player deflecting the ball in mid-air and hitting the wrap/lower frame, or the upper frame.

The method, in embodiments, further includes determining a score, at 80, for the first team for the round of play based on a point system. The point system may include awarding a highest number of points for the first player chipping the ball directly into the bag, a second highest number of points for the second player deflecting the ball directly into the bag, a third highest number of points for the ball hitting the upper frame in the round of play without being caught in the bag, and a fourth highest number of points for the ball hitting the wrap or the lower frame in the round of play without being caught in the bag.

The method may also include repeating, at 82, a round of play for a second team and determining a score for the second team during the second team's round based on the point system. Rounds of play are repeated for each team, at 84, until one of the teams wins the game by reaching or exceeding a predetermined winning score. In embodiments, the game can only be won if the points that are scored to reach or exceed the predetermined winning score are scored by one player either directly chipping or deflecting the ball into the bag or net. In other words, winning the game, in embodiments, includes, at 86, one of the teams reaching or exceeding the predetermined winning score during a round of play that ends with the ball being caught in the bag by a direct chip shot or deflection.

Example 1 of Game Play

One team will shoot first. The objective of each team is to chip the ball directly into the goal for maximum points. Like soccer, the game is played with no allowed use of one's hands.

Play starts with one of the teammates (a “first” teammate), standing next to or behind a first goal, chipping the ball into play and trying to score by chipping directly into the second goal, but if the trajectory of the shot is off, his/her teammate standing near the second goal (about 36 feet away) can score points by deflecting the ball into the second goal using a body part (chest, thigh, head, or foot), with a single touch. The ball must either hit the goal or go in—without bouncing off the ground first—to score points. The other teammate then chips the ball back towards the first goal (with the intention of getting a direct hit) and toward the first teammate to try to score points by hits or deflections into the first goal. The team's turn ends when the ball is either chipped or deflected into one of the goals or hits the ground with no points. When the first team's turn ends, the opposing team will then take the ball and try to score points in the same fashion.

The teams will alternate turns, repeating the process, until one team wins by reaching (or surpassing) a predetermined amount of points, e.g., 21 points with the winning shot. For example, to win, a team must either reach or surpass 21 points with a body part deflection into the goal or with a chip directly into the goal to close the match.

Examples of Player Formats and Rules:

2 vs 2:

With two teams of two players each, two teammates may play from opposite goals. If a team properly reaches or surpasses 21 points to win, the opposing team must be within eight points to seek redemption. Redemption means that you must get a direct sink plus however many more points you need within one turn to get to 21 points. For example, if a team closes the game out at 21-16, the opposing team must get a direct sink and at least one point. Points may be awarded, for example, according to the following scoring chart. When a “direct hit” occurs off the top of the goal, the ball is still in play for a teammate to score additional points. “Direct” in the charts below means another player did not touch the ball.

Scoring Chart for 2 teams of 2:

Direct sink=4

Body part in =3

Body part into side=2

Direct hit off top post (i.e., upper frame)=2

Direct hit off the goal, but not the top post=1

4 vs 4:

The 4 vs 4 game format (two teams of 4 players each) is the same as 2 v 2, but with some modifications. One of the teammates on a first team will first chip the ball to one of his/her teammates. The teammates on the first team will then have a total of three touches (including the first chip) to keep it in the air and score on the goal. For this mode, no one player may touch the ball more than once, there is a minimum of two touches, and no more than three touches, before the ball is chipped or deflected in for points to be awarded.

Points may be awarded in a game of 4 vs 4, in one example, according to the following scoring chart:

Scoring 4 v 4:

Direct sink=4

Body part in =3

Body part into side=2

Direct hit off top post=2

Direct hit=1

Under 4/Odd Number Game:

Alternative game formats may be used, e.g., in the event that less than 4 players are playing. In one exemplary format, each player may have five straight turns to chip the ball into a goal. To win, one player either reaches 21 points or scores three direct chip shots. For redemption, an opposing player has five turns to chip the ball in the goal, but he/she will need to get the remaining shots as direct sinks to force overtime. I.e., if a first player has one sink before his/her opponent wins, the first player would need to sink two of his/her last five shots.

Points may be awarded in a game according to the following scoring chart:

Scoring 1 v 1:

Direct sink=4

Hitting top posts=2

Hitting side=1

Example 2 of Game Play

Objective:

The game is played between two teams that shoot (chip) a ball towards an opponent's goal, which may be hexagonally shaped, and win the match by being the first to score 21 points.

Traditional Match:

This match is played with two (2) teams consisting of two (2) players on each team, each team getting a round of shots to score points. Goals are set 36 feet (12 yards) apart from one another. A single round consists of Player 1 on Team A attempting to score points, chipping to one's teammate's Goal. Player 2 on Team A chips the ball back to his teammate's Goal. After Team A's turn is complete, Team B repeats the process until the winning team reaches 21 points.

There are many ways to score points: the higher one's skill level, the higher the reward. Rules include:

-   -   A player must place the ball even with or behind the Goal prior         to chipping the ball towards the opponent team.     -   Just like in a real soccer game, the players can use any body         part except for arms/hands to help one's teammate score points         and can only use one touch.     -   The opposing team can not interfere with the flight of the ball         or his/her opponent's attempts to score points.     -   The ball cannot bounce in, points can only be scored with the         ball coming directly out of the air.

Scoring includes:

-   -   Direct Sink into Goal—4 Points: One player chips the ball into         the opposite Goal with no assistance of any kind from his/her         teammate and it lands in the net without touching the ground.     -   Sink Assist into Goal—3 Points: If the player's teammate judges         the flight of the ball and determines it will not go into the         Goal directly, deflect the ball into the net using any body part         besides the hands/arm, using only one touch.     -   Side Wrap or Post Assist—2 Points: Same rules as Sink Assist,         only the ball hits the wrap of the Goal or posts in the air but         does not land in the net.     -   Direct Hit Top Posts—2 Points: One player chips the ball         directly off the top posts of the Goal without his/her teammate         touching the ball and without bouncing the shot on the ground.     -   Direct Hit Sides—1 Point: Same rules as Direct Hit Top Posts         only it hits the wrap or bottom posts without his/her teammate         touching the ball and without bouncing the shot on the ground.

On a direct hit off the top posts of the Goal the ball is playable for a teammate to score additional points, as long as it does not first touch the ground.

To win the match a team must get a direct sink, or a sink assist to get to 21 points or more and force a “redemption” opportunity for the opposing team.

2 vs 2 Player Format:

Once a team of two players reaches or surpasses 21 points to win, the opposing team of two players must be within eight points to seek redemption.

“Redemption” means that one must get a direct sink plus any additional points needed to reach 21 points—and the team only gets one turn to do so. For example, if Team A reaches 21 points with a direct sink and Team B has 16 points, Team B must score a direct sink and at least one point according to the point-scoring rules.

Overtime: The team that was first to score 21 (or more) points gets to shoot first. The first team with a direct sink or sink assist wins. The opposing teammates each get a direct sink redemption opportunity to try to force double overtime. If successful, the teams repeat the overtime rules.

4 vs 4 Player Format:

The 4 vs 4 game format is similar to 2 vs 2, but with some alterations. Player 1 on Team A will chip the ball to the other teammates on Team A at the opposite Goal. They have a maximum of three touches to keep it in the air and score. No teammate can touch the ball twice in a row and it can never hit the ground to score points. Scoring, Redemption and Overtime follow the same rules as for 2 vs 2 play.

1 vs 1/Under 4 Players/Odd Number of Players:

Each player in these formats gets five chips in a row before it is the next player's turn. The winner is the first player to 21 or to score three direct chip shots.

Redemption—

Each player gets remaining five chips but must score remaining direct sinks to force overtime. For example, if player 1 has one sink before the opponent wins, player 1 would need to sink two of the last five shots.

Overtime—

The team that was first to score 21 (or more) points gets to shoot first. The team must sink to win in OT. If everyone Direct Sinks, then repeat until there is only one winner.

These point scoring systems and play formats are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the games that can be played using embodiments of the goals and/or apparatus of the present invention.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the foregoing is illustrative only and not limiting, having been presented by way of example only. Various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, numerous other embodiments are contemplated as falling within the scope of the present invention as defined by the accompanying claims and equivalents thereto. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A goal for a soccer skills-enhancing game played with a ball, the goal comprising: an upper frame defining an aperture for receiving a ball vertically downward therethrough; a lower frame for resting on a playing surface; a plurality of support members operatively connected between said upper frame and said lower frame to form a vertical space below said aperture that is laterally defined by said plurality of support members; and a wrap positioned around an outer side of each of said plurality of support members and between adjacent support members of said plurality, said wrap encircling said vertical space.
 2. The goal of claim 1, further comprising a bag for catching said ball received through said aperture, wherein an upper perimeter defining an opening of said bag is operatively attached to said upper frame and held in an open position around said aperture, said bag hanging down from said upper frame and into said vertical space.
 3. The goal of claim 1, wherein each of said upper frame and said lower frame is formed in a hexagonal shape.
 4. The goal of claim 2, wherein each of said upper frame and said lower frame is formed in a shape of a polygon, said upper frame and said lower frame each comprising an equal number of corners and connecting portions, said connecting portions of each of said upper frame and said lower frame forming sides of each said polygon located between adjacently positioned pairs of said corners.
 5. The goal of claim 4, wherein each of said corners is formed from two horizontally disposed legs of an angled T-connector, wherein a pair of said connecting portions are adjacently connected on each of said upper frames and said lower frames via said two horizontally disposed legs of said angled T-connector.
 6. The goal of claim 5, wherein each of said plurality of support members is attached to said upper frame via a downwardly projecting leg of one of said angled T-connectors of said upper frame and to said lower frame via an upwardly projecting leg of one of said angled T-connectors of said lower frame.
 7. The goal of claim 4, further comprising a plurality of sleeves fixedly attached to said bag in a spaced arrangement along said upper perimeter, each of said connecting portions of said upper frame being inserted through one of the plurality of sleeves to hold said bag in said open position around said aperture.
 8. The goal of claim 7, wherein said connecting portions of said upper frame are removably attachable to said angled T-connectors of said upper frame.
 9. The goal of claim 2, further comprising attachment members for attaching said bag to said upper frame, each attachment member having a first end fixedly attached to said upper perimeter of said bag and a second end releasably attachable to said first end, said second end being wrapped over and around said upper frame and releasably attached to said first end to hold said bag in position around said aperture.
 10. The goal of claim 1, wherein said wrap further includes a sleeve aligned with one of said plurality of support members, said one of said plurality of support members being inserted through said sleeve.
 11. The goal of claim 1, wherein said wrap is one of a mesh, a semi-transparent fabric, and a see-through plastic.
 12. The goal of claim 2, wherein said wrap is a see-through perforated polyester PVC, and said bag comprises a mesh material.
 13. The goal of claim 4, wherein said lower frame has a contact surface for resting on said playing surface, said contact surface including at least a lower surface of said corners of said lower frame.
 14. A soccer skills-enhancing game apparatus, comprising: at least one goal; and a ball; said at least one goal comprising: an upper frame defining an aperture for receiving said ball vertically downward therethrough; a lower frame for resting on a playing surface; a plurality of support members operatively connected between said upper frame and said lower frame to form a vertical space below said aperture that is laterally defined by said plurality of support members; and a wrap positioned around an outer side of each of said plurality of support members and between adjacent support members of said plurality, said wrap encircling said vertical space.
 15. The soccer skills-enhancing game apparatus of claim 14, further comprising a bag configured and sized for catching said ball received through said aperture, wherein an upper perimeter defining an opening of said bag is operatively attached to said upper frame and held in an open position around said aperture, said bag hanging down from said upper frame and into said vertical space.
 16. A method of playing a soccer skills-enhancing game utilizing a ball and at least one goal, the method comprising: positioning said at least one goal on a playing surface, said at least one goal including an upper frame defining an aperture for receiving said ball vertically downward therethrough, a lower frame for resting on the playing surface, a plurality of support members operatively connected between said upper frame and said lower frame to form a vertical space below said aperture that is laterally defined by said plurality of support members, a wrap encircling said vertical space, and a bag configured and sized for catching said ball received through said aperture, wherein an upper perimeter defining an opening of said bag is operatively attached to said upper frame and held in position around said aperture such that said bag hangs down into said vertical space; and scoring points by a first team in a round of play, said round of play beginning with a first player of said first team chipping said ball toward said at least one goal and ending with an earlier occurring one of said ball being caught in said bag and said ball touching said playing surface.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein said scoring points by said first team includes one of: chipping, by said first player, said ball directly into said bag of said at least one goal without said ball touching a second player of said team; chipping said ball such that said ball hits said wrap, and chipping said ball such that said ball hits said upper frame and bounces up from said at least one goal.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein said scoring points further includes: by said first player, chipping said ball such that said ball hits said upper frame and bounces up and then, by said second player, deflecting said ball that bounces up from said goal in midair with any part of a body of said second player other than an arm or a hand and into said bag of said at least one goal.
 19. The method of claim 18, further including determining a score for said first team during said round of play based on a point system, including awarding a highest number of points for said first player chipping said ball directly into said bag, a second highest number of points for said second player deflecting said ball into said bag, a third highest number of points for said ball hitting said upper frame in said round of play without being caught in said bag, and a fourth highest number of points for said ball hitting said wrap or said lower frame in said round of play without being caught in said bag; repeating a round of play for a second team and determining a score for said second team during said round for said second team based on said point system; and repeating said round of play for said first team and for said second team until one team of said first team and said second team wins said soccer skills-enhancing game by reaching or exceeding a predetermined winning score.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein winning said soccer skills-enhancing game includes said one team reaching or exceeding said predetermined winning score during said round of play ending with said ball being caught in said bag. 